Wednesday, 31 December 2008

As the world stands by witnessing yet another episode in the ongoing war of terror on Muslim occupied land, the true believer stands watching in a state of awe, between grief, rage, and hope. With more than three hundred killed and over a thousand injured, Ghazza moves into its sixth day of Israeli bombardment.

Although the Palestinian issue is not a new one, in the last few decades the world has seen an escalation of aggression against the Muslim world as a whole. Bosnia, Chechnya, Kosova, Afghanistan, and Iraq are just to name a few. As this aggression increases over time the believers wonder when the aid from Allah will arrive. In the Qur'an, Allah (SWT) teaches us a lesson. That lesson is that as hardship and affliction escalates, ease and alleviation draws nearer and nearer. Allah says:

“For indeed, with hardship will be ease. Indeed, with hardship will be ease.” [Ash-Sharh 94:5,6]

And He says:

“They continued until, when the messengers gave up hope and were certain that they had been denied, there came to them Our victory, and whoever We willed was saved. And Our punishment cannot be repelled from the people who are criminals.” [Yusuf 12:110]

It is also in times like these that Allah wishes to bring out the true colours of individuals. This serves to purify the ranks of the true believers so that when the victory comes it is handed to the few who remained firm and did not back out. Allah says:

“Allah would not leave the believers in the state you are in presently until He separates the evil from the good.” [Aali 'Imran 3:179]

And we see this happening before our eyes. The traitors and hypocrites who were embedded within the ranks of the believers are now becoming exposed. They have turned their backs on our brothers and sisters in Ghazza. Those who are familiar with the Seerah of the Prophet (SAW) will find that this same incident took place in the time of the Prophet (SAW). It was at the battle of Uhud when the Muslims marched out to the battlefield that the hypocrites led by their leader Ubay bin Sulul decided to turn back with nearly a third of the army.

To conclude, although the Ummah is feeling severe pain over the events unraveling in Ghazza, let us not forget that Allah has not abandoned us. Allah says:

“And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare in horror.” [Ibrahim 14:42]

It may seem that the enemy is far stronger and mightier than us at the moment, but as they plan their plots Allah too plans. Allah (SWT) revealed to the Prophet (SAW) when the disbelievers of Makkah plotted to get rid of him:

“And remember, when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” [Al-Anfal 8:30]

And let us not consider the events in Ghazza as being negative for the Ummah, Allah says:

“Do not think it bad for you, rather it is good for you.” [An-Nur 24:11]

So do not despair Ya Ummat-ul-Islam, for there is light at the end of the tunnel signaling that victory is near.

“And it does not grieve me that a man or a woman or a child from Chechnya dies, because Insha Allah they are martyrs. However, by Allah, what grieves me greatly is the silence of the Muslim countries regarding this. Otherwise, it should have been mandatory to sever relations with Russia from every angle, and if they had done that Russia would have halted at its limit, and they would not have harmed them at all. However, unfortunately the Muslim countries – and by that I mean the leaders of the Muslim countries, forget the general public, the general public may have fervor and enthusiasm however they do not have the capability – they are silent and have said nothing. This is, by Allah, what grieves me. A Muslim republic, young and fresh, has these types of acts committed against it and we remain silent?”(Shaikh Muhammad bin Salih Al-'Uthaimeen)

The long drawn-out siege and blockade of Gaza, and the numerous military assaults on its people and their legitimate government, are only the latest (Israeli) crimes in a catalogue of torment and terror, notes Stuart Littlewood.

US definition fits perfectly

The patience of all decent men must surely be exhausted.

Today's slaughter of innocents in Gaza, with at least 230 reported killed in raids on "Hamas terror operatives" (as the Israeli military put it), amounted to "a mass execution", said Hamas.

Can there now be any doubt who the real terrorists are?

The killing spree couldn't have happened without the tacit approval of America, Britain and the EU. The political pea-brains that direct the pro-Israel western alliance were partying, gorging themselves on Christmas fare or binge-shopping while this massacre of hungry women and children and their despairing menfolk in Gaza was being planned and executed.

According to the US's own definition of terrorism Israel is squarely in the frame. Under Section 3 of Executive Order 13224 "Blocking Property and prohibiting Transactions with Persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support Terrorism", the term "terrorism" means an activity that…

(i) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property, or infrastructure; and

(ii) appears to be intended

• to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

• to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or

• to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping, or hostage-taking.

The order and its definition of terrorism, signed 23 September 2001 by George W Bush, is used to outlaw and crush any organization, individual or country the US doesn't like. The Israeli regime's "amoral thugs", as a British MP branded them, have plainly been terrorizing the Palestinians for the last 60 years.

The long drawn-out siege and blockade of Gaza, and the numerous military assaults on its people and their legitimate government, are only the latest crimes in a catalogue of torment and terror. They are clearly attempts to "intimidate and coerce", while the mass destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, the withholding of humanitarian aid, the assassinations, the abductions, the bulldozing of Palestinian homes, and the many violent and dangerous acts including indiscriminate bombing and shelling (and the use of cluster bombs in Lebanon), ensure Israel's ugly head is a perfect fit for America's terrorist hat.

How does the world feel about Obama pledging to "forge an unshakeable bond" with the "miracle" of Terrorist Israel?

How do we feel about the EU rewarding Israel for its terrorist acts with enhanced benefits under the EU-Israel Association Agreement?

How do we Brits feel about our Intelligence and Security Committee being chaired by a Friend of Terrorist Israel and 5 out of its 9 members also being the Zionist regime's devoted Friends? How do we feel about our Foreign Affairs Committee being chaired by a Friend of Terrorist Israel...and our Defence Committee too?

Britain's prime minister Brown and his predecessor, now peace envoy Blair, both self-confessed Zionists, have given their undying support to a terrorist state and steered Britain's foreign policy on a course that has earned the opprobrium of civilised people.

The best Brown could do today was urge "restraint". He called on Gazan "militants" to "cease all rocket attacks on Israel immediately", but didn't urge his bosom pals to end the siege and their illegal occupation which, as every sane person knows, are the cause of the strife. Our Foreign Office went so far as to say they were "deeply concerned" then spouted the mantra: "The only way to achieve a lasting peace is through peaceful means".

The only peaceful means of achieving a lasting peace is for Western leaders to pull the plug on Israel until the regime conforms to international law and the will of the United Nations (without whose misguided generosity there would never have been a state of Israel), pulls back behind the 1967 border and strictly observes the principles of universal human rights.

If they don't shoulder their responsibility, they risk a mighty moral backlash from ordinary people, who are beginning to learn the awful truth.

Stuart Littlewood is author of the book Radio Free Palestine, which tells the plight of the Palestinians under occupation.

..........Don't forget your muslim brothers and sisters around the world suffering at the hands of their oppressors; remember them all in your supplications, especially in the night prayer - in the last third of the night - when you stand before your Lord.

((Our Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the latter part of the night is left, and says: Who supplicates Me so that I may answer him? Who asks Me so that I may give to him? Who asks Me forgiveness so that I may forgive him?)), [Saheeh Muslim, No.1656]

...

http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0020221.htmShaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh:"Indeed waging war against the weak Muslims in Palestine is (Israeli) terrorism and oppression.

...today the Muslim Ummah was passing through a severe phase which requires it to take a close look (at itself) so that it can become a single Ummah defending and protecting it's 'aqeedah".

...

http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0020414.htmShaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan:"It is obligatory upon the Muslims to make supplication for their Muslim brothers and to assist them with wealth. To assist them with wealth and supplication, this is what is obligatory, and this is what will benefit them."

Monday, 29 December 2008

I write this while tears stream from my eyes, I have become more aware now of the situation in palestine and the current situation there, this is so sad, I feel so helpless and angry. Palestinians are labelled as the terrorists when they are the ones having their land stolen from under their noses,kicked out from their own homes, left without electricity/water etc, innocent people killed, including women and children! subhanAllaah, why do people think this is justifiable???!!!! Wake up!!! open your eyes and look at the reality. Insha Allaah we need to make lots of du'a for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, May Allaah help them and grant them peace in the land which is rightfully theirs.I came across this on'a learning muslimah'

Look into my eyesAnd tell me what you see.You don't see a damn thing,'cause you can't possibly relate to me.

You're blinded by our differences.My life makes no sense to you.I'm the persecuted Palestinian.You're the American red, white and blue.

Each day you wake in tranquility,No fears to cross your eyes.Each day I wake in gratitude,Thanking God He let me rise.

You worry about your educationAnd the bills you have to pay.I worry about my vulnerable lifeAnd if I'll survive another day.

Your biggest fear is getting ticketedAs you cruise your Cadillac.My fear is that the tank that just leftWill turn around and come back.

American, do you realize,That the taxes that you payFeed the forces that traumatizeMy every living day?

The bulldozers and the tanks,The gases and the guns,The bombs that fall outside my door,All due to American funds.

Yet do you know the truthOf where your money goes?Do you let your media deceive your mind?Is this a truth that no one knows?

You blame me for defending myselfAgainst the ways of Zionists.I'm terrorized in my own landAnd I'm the terrorist?

You think you know all about terrorismBut you don't know it the way I do,So let me define the term for you,And teach you what you thought you knew.

I've known terrorism for quite some time,Fifty-five years and more.It's the fruitless garden uprooted in my yard.It's the bulldozer in front of my door.

Terrorism breathes the air I breathe.It's the checkpoint on my way to school.It's the curfew that jails me in my own home,And the penalties of breaking that curfew rule.

Terrorism is the robbery of my land,And the torture of my mother,The imprisonment of my innocent father,The bullet in my baby brother.

So American, don't tell me you know aboutThe things I feel and see.I'm terrorized in my own landAnd the blame is put on me.

But I will not rest, I shall never settleFor the injustice my people endure.Palestine is our land and there we'll remainUntil the day our homeland is secure.

And if that time shall never come,Then we will never see a day of peace.I will not be thrown from my own home,Nor will my fight for justice cease.

And if I am killed, it will be in FilasteenIt's written on my every breath.So in your own patriotic words,Give me liberty or give me death.

And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!" (4:74)

Saturday, 27 December 2008

Today while walking to the shops with the kids, a bus went past and there was a middle aged couple sat on there, I glimpsed briefly, but I could see they were having a good stare and a giggle, like they really wanted me to notice them doing it, the kids noticed and told me what they were doing. I responded to them by saying, there's alot of narrow minded people about, who laugh at people who look/dress different to them, and obviously haven't got any manners, I said let them laugh, we don't want to be like them. My son who is 6 said he laughed back at them, lol.Just thinking about it now, makes me think how pathetic and childish these kind of people are, they don't even take into consideration the kids, I would feel ashamed if my mum or any family member were the type to do this to people, alhamdulillaah they are not. And I myself am not the type to act like this towards people.

Just wanted to have a little rant about this, I know it's nothing big, but these little things do your head in sometimes, especially when your kids see it, and you have to explain to them the ignorance and stupidness of some.

Praise be to Allaah.Greeting the kuffaar on Christmas and other religious holidays of theirs is haraam, by consensus, as Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy on him, said in Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah: "Congratulating the kuffaar on the rituals that belong only to them is haraam by consensus, as is congratulating them on their festivals and fasts by saying ‘A happy festival to you’ or ‘May you enjoy your festival,’ and so on. If the one who says this has been saved from kufr, it is still forbidden. It is like congratulating someone for prostrating to the cross, or even worse than that. It is as great a sin as congratulating someone for drinking wine, or murdering someone, or having illicit sexual relations, and so on. Many of those who have no respect for their religion fall into this error; they do not realize the offensiveness of their actions. Whoever congratulates a person for his disobedience or bid’ah or kufr exposes himself to the wrath and anger of Allaah."

Congratulating the kuffaar on their religious festivals is haraam to the extent described by Ibn al-Qayyim because it implies that one accepts or approves of their rituals of kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself. But the Muslim should not aceept the rituals of kufr or congratulate anyone else for them, because Allaah does not accept any of that at all, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

"If you disbelieve, then verily, Allaah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. . ." [al-Zumar 39:7]

". . . This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion . . ." [al-Maa’idah 5:3]

So congratulating them is forbidden, whether they are one’s colleagues at work or otherwise.

If they greet us on the occasion of their festivals, we should not respond, because these are not our festivals, and because they are not festivals which are acceptable to Allaah. These festivals are innovations in their religions, and even those which may have been prescribed formerly have been abrogated by the religion of Islaam, with which Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to the whole of mankind. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

It is haraam for a Muslim to accept invitations on such occasions, because this is worse than congratulating them as it implies taking part in their celebrations.

Similarly, Muslims are forbidden to imitate the kuffaar by having parties on such occasions, or exchanging gifts, or giving out sweets or food, or taking time off work, etc., because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyah said in his book Iqtidaa’ al-siraat al-mustaqeem mukhaalifat ashaab al-jaheem: "Imitating them in some of their festivals implies that one is pleased with their false beliefs and practices, and gives them the hope that they may have the opportunity to humiliate and mislead the weak."

Whoever does anything of this sort is a sinner, whether he does it out of politeness or to be friendly, or because he is too shy to refuse, or for whatever other reason, because this is hypocrisy in Islaam, and because it makes the kuffaar feel proud of their religion.

Allaah is the One Whom we ask to make the Muslims feel proud of their religion, to help them adhere steadfastly to it, and to make them victorious over their enemies, for He is the Strong and Omnipotent.

Friday, 26 December 2008

It is reported from Abû Al-Dardâ – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said, “Three make me laugh, and three make me cry.

Those that make me laugh are a person who puts his hopes in this worldly life while death pursues him, a person who is heedless [of his Lord] while [his Lord] is not heedless of him, and a person who always laughs while he does not know whether he has pleased Allâh or angered Him.

What makes me cry is being separated from my beloved: Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and his party (the Companions), the horrors of the time of death, and standing in front of Allâh ‘azza wa jall on the Day when the secrets will be revealed and I do not know will I then go to Paradise or Hell?”

Wednesday, 24 December 2008

I feel since setting this blog up that I haven't contributed much from my personal daily experiences, but rather have found it easier to just post an article now and again when I see a beneficial one in my email, I know this post may come across as a bit repetitive, as nothing much has really changed, (sigh). It's no ones fault but my own, nowadays I find myself not really spending any time on my deen, except for when I pray, we do the morning adkhaar daily, and when I occasionally read an article sent from one of the yahoo groups I'm a member of.

When I started on this blog, I set up a little routine where I would sit down in the evening and read at least 2 sides of a page of the Qur'an, and then the same for an islamic book, well, that's gone out the window, I'm not that great when it comes to routines, some I can keep up, but not all, if I miss a night/day, then I find myself slipping back, and it then becomes hard to get back into that routine, unless I really push myself. So I guess, I need to give myself a big push, as time is flying, subhanAllaah.

I don't really know where I'm going with this post, I just felt the need to type something, let whoever's reading know that there is still a REAL person behind this blog, lol.

So what's happening with me at this moment in life? well, I'm busy homeschooling my 2 daughters, and son right now, as he's off school for holidays, busy with the baby who will be 1 in February insha Allaah, can't believe a years almost gone already! subhanAllaah.

Trying not to let myself worry too much about us one day going to Yemen, this has been planned for a long time now, so don't actually know when it will happen, Allaahu alam, I feel alot of it is to do with lack of eemaan, as I know if I was stronger right now, alot of these worries would seem so insignificant, subhanAllaah, I worry whether I can educate my kids there, have access to resources etc.. getting sick, seeing my family, will I like it, etc, etc.... but I know I need to put my trust in Allaah more, and maybe just take it one day at a time, and not think too far ahead, that's my problem, always worrying!

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

I request from his eminence to present some advice for the one who is being tested by way of one’s daughters and the benefit in raising them and in dealing with them in a good manner.

Response: It is necessary that those who provide for their daughters that they be good to them and raise them while observing good manners. The Prophet, the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

{Whoever is tested with something due to one’s daughters and remains good to them (during this trial) then he will have a cover that will protect him from the hellfire (on the Day of Judgment).}*

The Sunnah is to raise them while observing good manners, and to invite them to righteousness. As well as being gentle with them as there is glad tidings in being good to one’s daughters or sisters. And they should invite them to Allah by finding them righteous husbands who will excel in protecting them and enjoin them to fulfill the commands of Allah.

* Related by at-Tirmidhee in Kitaab-ul-Birr was-Silah (the Book of Piety and Relations with the Relatives) under the chapter “What has been revealed regarding one’s spending on the daughters and sisters” with the wording: {Whoever is tested with something due to one’s daughters and he is patient with it then he will have a cover that will protect him from the hellfire (on the Day of Judgment).} And he also said in a narration graded as Hasan that was related by Ibn Maajah in Kitaab-ul-Adab (the Book of Manners) in the chapter “Serving the parents and being good to one’s daughters” with the wording: {Whoever has three daughters and is patient with them and feeds them, gives them drink, and clothes them from his provisioning, he will have a cover that will protect him from the hellfire on the Day of Judgment.}

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Ok, well I've just been tagged by Umm Travis , and had this little task to do below, I actually found it alot easier than I thought it would be, and alot of fun.

Rules: IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!

USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES,THINGS. NOTHING MADE UP!TRY TO USE DIFFERENT ANSWERS IF THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU HAD THE SAME 1ST INITIAL.YOU CAN'T USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.

Monday, 15 December 2008

AL TIRMIDHI NARRATED IN HIS BOOK THE MUHAMMEDAN CHARACTERISTICS ON AUTHORITY OF AL HASSAN IBN ALI THAT AL HUSSEIN HAD SAID THAT HIS FATHER WAS ASKED ABOUT THE WAY THE MESSENGAR OF ALLAH CONDUCTED HIMSELF WITH HIS COMPANIONS AND THOSE WHO SAT WITH HIM,SO HE SAID,"THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH SALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALAM HAD ALWAYS BEEN CHEERFUL,EASY GOING AND DOCILE. HE WAS NEVER ROUGH,HARSH OR BLATANT AND NEVER USED FOUL LANGUAGE.HE NEVER WAS A FAULTFINDER AND NEVER ARGUED (FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUING).HE NEVER PAID ATTENTION TO ANYTHING THAT WAS NOT HIS CONCERN.HE NEVER DISAPPOINTED ANYONE THAT SOUGHT HIS HELP AND NEVER DISMISSED ANYONE THAT WANTED ANYTHING FROM HIM EMPTY HANDED. HE ABSTAINED FROM THREE THINGS ARGUING,BEING EXTRAVAGANT AND ANYTHING THAT DID NOT CONCERN HIM.HE FURTHER REFRAINED FROM DOING THREE THINGS TOWARDS PPL;HE NEVER BELITTLED ANYONE NEVER CRITISED ANYONE AND NEVER SEARCHED FOR ANYONES FAULTS.HE WOULD NEVER SPEAK UNLESS WHEN HE ANTICIPATED A BENEFIT FROM SPEAKING.WHEN HE SPOKE HIS COMPANIONS WOULD LISTEN ATTENTIVELY.THEY TALKED ONLY WHEN HE FINISHED TALKING AND WOULD NOT TALK OVER HIM.HE WOULD LAUGH ABOUT WHAT THEY LAUGHED ABOUT AND WOULD WONDER WHAT THEY WONDERED JE WAS ALWAYS PATIENT WITH THE STRANGERSTHAT APPROACHED WITH ROUGHNESS,THEREFORE HIS COMPANIONS WOULD BRING STRANGERS TO HIM SO THEY COULD BENEFIT FROM HIS ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS.HE WOULD NEVER ACCEPT A COMPLIMENT EXCEPT FROM SOMEONE WHO WAS RETURNING A FAVOUR DONE BY THE PROPHET BY SAYING JAZAK ALLAHU KHAYRUN.

FURTHERMORE THE PROPHET WAS THE MOST KNOWLEDGABLE THE MOST PIOUS THE MOST ABSITENENT FROM THE LUXURIES OF THIS WORLD THE MOST JUST THE MOST TOLERANT.

HE HAD APPROACHED HIS COMPANIONS SO DEARLY THAT EVERYONE OF THEM THOUGHT THAT THE PROPHET LIKED HIM THE MOST.HE WAS THE MODEST OF ALL PPL AND NEVER STARED ANYONE HE ANSWERED THE INVITATION OF ANYONE WHETHER IT BE A FREE MAN OR A SLAVE AND ACCEPTED ANY GIFT THAT WAS OFFERED TO HIM WHETHER IT BE A SIP OF MILK OR A RABBITS THIGH MOREOVER HE WOULD PRAY FOR THE ONE WHO HAD GIVEN THE GIFT AND WOULD EAT FROM IT.HOWEVER HE NEVER ACCEPTED CHARITY HE WOULD ALWAYS VISITE DTHE SICK ESPECIALLY THE SICK AMONG THE POOR PPL WHOM NOBADY WOULD LOOK AFTER OR PAY ATTENTION TO.HE WAS ALWAYS POLITE WITH HIS COMPANIONS AND ALWAYS MISSED THE ONE WHO WAS ABSENT FOR A WHILE.HE ALWAYS LOOKED AFTER HIS RELATIVES AND KINFOLK AND NEVER GAVE ANY OF THE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT HE NEVER SHUNNED ANYONE REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY MIGHT HAVE DONE HE HAD SLAVES AND MAIDS YET NEVER GAVE HIMSELF PREFERENCE OVER THEM IN TERMS OF FOOD AND CLOTHES.

HE WAS THE LAST PERSON TO GET ANGRY AND THE QUICKEST TO BE PLEASANT AND FORGIVING HE WAS THE KINDEST GENTLEST AND THE MOST BENEFICAL OF THE PPL FOR THE PPL.THIS SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH SALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALAAM AS HIS EXAMPLE OR ROLE MODEL HIS MORALS ARE MORE THAN WHAT ONE CAN MENTION IN ONE SPPECH ONLY ALLAH CAN LIST HIS HONORABLE PROPHETS VIRTUOUS CHARACTERISTICS.

MAY ALLAH GIVE US JUST SOME OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET IF NOT ALL OF THEM AND LET US BE A GOOD EXAMPLE TO MANKIND AND OF OUR WONDERFUL AND PERFECT RELIGION ISLAM SO WE CAN CALL PEOPLE TO THE TRUTH AND BE GUIDED UPON THE STRAIGHT PATH AMEEN.

It is reported that Al-Sha’bî said, “The only people who used to seek this knowledge were those who combined two characteristics: intelligence and devout worship. If a person was intelligent but not devout, it would be said that only the worshippers can attain this [knowledge], and so he would not try to seek it. And if a person was devout, but not intelligent, it would be said that only the intelligent can attain this [knowledge], and so he would not try to seek it.” Al-Sha’bî continued, “And I fear that today, people who are neither intelligent nor devout try to seek it.”

Al-Hasan Al-Basrî – Allah have mercy on him – said: When a man sought knowledge, it would not be long before it could be seen in his humbleness, his sight, upon his tongue and his hands, in his prayer, in his speech and in his disinterest (zuhd) in worldly allurements. And a man would acquire a portion of knowledge and put it into practice, and it would be better for him than the world and all it contains – if he owned it he would give it in exchange for the hereafter.

Friday, 12 December 2008

While browsing through some random homeschooling blogs this evening, I was directed to another blog which belongs to a lady in the U.S, who in August lost her son. He was 3 yrs old, and had gone missing and had later been found in the pond. I have been reading through the mother's blog and have cried so much, I think being a mother myself, I can imagine the heartache that this woman must be feeling. It has just made me reflect and be more grateful to Allaah for the children he has bestowed upon me, alhamdulillaah. I feel so guilty for getting angry with them when they squabble and play up, and shouting and not spending as much time as I should be with them, while they're young. It should serve as a reminder to us that this life does not last forever, and Allaah can take us at any time, no matter what our age may be, let's make the most of the time we have with our children insha Allaah, have fun with them, thank Allaah for them and be grateful.

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Masha'Allaah I found a karate class for my son, it's not too far from where we live, and I think it's a brother who actually teaches the class. I asked about the issue of bowing, I doubted this would be something that was done there, but I have recently seen brothers bowing in a karate class we visited so I wanted to check before getting U's hopes up, masha'Allaah the brother said they don't bow there, so finally we found something alhamdulillaah.Also one sister I know who's husband is a black belt, said that the instructor who told me that they have to do the bowing was lying, he said it's not required. I think maybe the guy either was being awkward and didn't agree it should be changed/left out or was just ignorant of it, Allaahu a'lam.

Excerpt: "You carry a child that does not understand how to pray, and you place him in the front row with you behind the Imaam? The people are only being silent out of courtesy, because this child is not in prayer, he may not even be upon purity, maybe not even in his physical body. This is because you just took him from your home without teaching him how to purify himself and how to pray to begin with. This is erroneous, what you should be doing is teach him how to purify himself and how to pray in your home firstly, then you teach him where and how to stand in the row [in the Masjid]."

Author: Shaykh Yahyaa al HaajooreeTopic: Knowledge and its VirtuesReference: Responses to Questions from a Variety of Countries - more about reference here... Question:Is it permissible to lie in order to seek knowledge, for example; obtaining a fake certificate/degree, `lying about your age to the interviewer, or having a an id card with false information and so on, because this issue is widespread and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response:Lying is from amongst the worst of sins, so how can it permissible to lie in an affair such as this, or in other than it. The scholars only considered three situations to be exceptions; when rectifying between the Muslims, lying during war as war is deception, and that a man lies to his wife according to some scholars [i.e. that he says the food is delicious when he doesn’t really believe so and so on, not unrestrictedly.] They base it on the Hadeeth of Umm Kalthoom, which is a ‘Shaadh’ narration. So how about lying in order to seek knowledge!? I fear that this person would not be granted success, Allaah the Elevated says:Is it then he who laid the foundation of his building on piety to Allaah and His Good Pleasure better, or he who laid the foundation of his building on the brink of an undetermined precipice ready to crumble down, so that it crumbled to pieces with him into the fire of Hell. [At Tawbah: 109]

This is the basing of the building of seeking knowledge, the basis of seeking knowledge must be upon Taqwaa, truthfulness, preserving the boundaries of Allaah, trustworthiness, fear of Allaah, supplication to Allaah… It is not based upon lies from the first step. I fear that this may be a cause for a transformation to the worse, for indeed sins are a cause for humiliation and evil, Allaah the Elevated said:

And those who have earned evil deeds, the recompense of an evil deed is the like thereof, and humiliating disgrace will cover them... [Yunus: 27]

By Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah"Extracted from “Diseases of the Hearts & their Cures”

Miserliness and jealousy are sicknesses that lead to the soul hating that which would benefit it, and its loving that which would haram it. This is why jealousy was mention alongside hatred and resentment in the proceeding ahaadeeth. As for the sickness of desire and passionate love then this is the soul loving that which would haram it and coupled with this is its hatred of that which would benefit it.

Passionate love is a psychological sickness, and when its effects become noticeable on the body, it becomes a sickness that afflicts the mind also. Either by afflicting the mind by the likes of melancholy, or afflicting the body throughout weakness and emaciation. But the purpose here is to discuss its affect on the heart, for passionate love is the fundamental that makes the soul covet that which would harm it, similar to the one weak of body who covets that which harms it, and if he is not satiated by that then he is grieved, and if he is satiated then his sickness increases. The same applies to the heart afflicted with this love, for it is harmed by its connection to the loved, either by seeing, touching, hearing, or even thinking about it. And if he were to curb the love then the heart is hurt and grieved by this, and if he gives it to the desire then the sickness becomes stronger and becomes a means through which the grievance is increased.

In the Hadeeth there occurs, " Indeed Allah shelters His believing servant from the world just as one of you shelter your sick ones from food and drink [ that would harm them]"

In the hadeeth concerning the saving of Moosa reported by Wahbibn Munabbih [ is a noble taabi ee, this hadeeth is reported from him but is not authentic.] which is recorded by Imaam Ahmad in Zuhd " Allah says indeed I drive away my friends from the delights of this world and its opulence and comfort just ask the compassionate Shepherd drives away his camel from the dangerous crazing lands. And Indeed I make them avoid its tranquility and livelihood, just ask the compassionate shepherd makes his camel to avoid the resting places wherein it would be easy pray. This not because I consider them to be insignificant, but so that they may complete their portion of my kindness in Safety and abundance, the delights of the world will not attract him and neither would desires overcome him."

Therefore the only cure for the sick lies in his removing the sickness by removing the blameworthy love from his heart.People are divided into two opinions concerning passionate love: one group says that it falls into the category of intentions and wishes, this being the famous opinion. Another group says that it falls into the category of imagination and fantasies and that it is corruption of the imagination since it cause one to depict the one who is loved in other than his true reality. This group went on to say: "And this is why Allah has not been described with passionate love [shik] and neither that he passionately love [ya shik] because He is far removed from this, and one cannot be praised who has there corrupt thoughts.."

As for the first group, then from them are those who said: He is described with passionate love [ishk] because it is a complete and perfect love and Allah Loves [yuhib]." And it is reported in the narration of Abdul Wahid bin Zayd that He said, "The servant will always continue to draw close to me, loving Me and I loving him {a shiquhoo]." This is the saying of some of the Soofis but majority do not apply this word to Allah, because passionate love is a love exceeding the proper bounds, as for the Love of Allah then it has no end and cannot exceed the proper bounds.

Passionate love is to be considered blameworthy without any exceptions, it is not to be praised when it is directed toward the Creator or created because it is a love that exceeds the proper bounds.This is also true because the word 'passionate love' is only employed with regards to a man loving a woman or child [ or vice versa]. it is not employed in things such as the love of one's family, property or status, just as it not emplayed with regards to the love of the Prophets and the righteous. Commonly, you will find this word being mentioned alongside a forbidden action, such as loving the woman who is not lawful for him, or loving a child joined with the unlawful glance and touch and other such unlawful actions.

And for the love of a man for his wife or slave girl which leads him out of the folds of justice such that he does unlawful things for her and leave what is obligatory- as commonly happens- even to the extent tht he may oppress his son born of his old wife due to this love of his new wife, or to the extent that he will do things to keep her happy that would haram his religion and worldy life. For example his singling her out for inheritance that she does not deserve, or that he gives her family authorit and property that exceeds the limits set by Allah, or he goes to exceees in spending o*n her, or he makes unlawful things possible for her which is harm his religion and worldly life. This passionate love is forbidden with regards for one who has passionate love for someone who is unlawful or with regards to two men. For this contains a corruption that extent of which none can assess except the lord of the servants; it is a sickness that corrupts the religion and objectives of the o*ne who possesses it, then it corrupts his intelligence and then his body. Allah the most High, says,

" Then do not be soft in speech, lest he is whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in a honourable manner." Soorah al ahzaab :32

There are some whose hearts contain the disease of desire and whose perceptions are only skin deep. When the object of the desire submits, the sickness is satiated, and this satiation strengthens the desire and pursuit of the object and hence strengthens the sickness. This is a contrast to the one whose objective is not met, for this failure results is removing the satiation that would strengthen the sickness and there by the desire is weakended as is the love. This is because the person definitely inteds tht there be action accompanying his desire, for otherwise all his desire would be is just whispering of the soul, unless there is some speech or looking accompany this.

As for the one who is afflicted with this passionate love but holds back and is patient, then indeed Allah will reward him for his taqwaa as occurs in the hadeeth, " that the one who passionately love someone yets hold back, conceals this and is patient, then dies upon this, will be a martry." [ A da eef hadeeth, ] This hadeeth is known to be the report of Yahya al Qataat from Mujaahid from Ibn Abbass from the Prophet sallahu wa alyhe wa sallam but it is problematic and such a hadeeth is not to be depended upon.

But it is known from the evideces of the Shareeah that if one were to hold back from performing that which is unlawful, be it looking, speaking or acting, and conceals this and does not articulate it so as not to fall into that which is prohibited and he is patient in his obedience to Allah and keep away form disobedience to Allah, despite the pain that his hearts feels due to this passionate love, [similar to the case of the one who is patient throught a calaminty, then indeed this person would gain the same rewards as those who have feared Allah and been Patient.

Wednesday, 10 December 2008

Alhamdulillaah had a great few days of 'eid, I wanted to make sure the kids enjoyed themselves, as the last 'eid we were just stuck in the house. Was not able to go to the 'eid salaah for certain reasons, we do normally, but it was a bit awkward this time. We were invited to a sisters house for the day on Monday, there were just a few of us but masha'Allaah it's sometimes nicer when it's not so many people. The kids did their presentation, K wrote a little about the examples of a good companion and a bad companion, we just about heard her speak as she was so shy, love her. U recited a small surah, and so did T. The rest of the kids did some presentations on the hajj, dhul hijja etc... They all recieved a gift each, which they loved and made their day alhamdulillaah.

Us sisters decided to have a little makeup competion, I was quite impressed with my finished look (I was the one applying) especially the eyeliner which I managed to get quite neat, it turned out to be a draw. The funniest part was when I had my makeover done, lol, just thinking about it now makes me laugh, the makeup was verry heavy, which I am not used to, and I was told I looked like a teenager! I didn't want to make the sister feel bad, but I had to wash it off, I couldn't stay loyal for very long, lol.

Food was lush masha'Allaah, rice,curry, chicken, samosas, pizza(but not at same time as rice) I was so full at the end of the day, alhamdulillaah. Got back just before midnight, so as you can imagine we were all shattered, but had a great day, Jazakillaahu khairan sisters, May Allaah reward you for all your efforts, ameen.

Tuesday, we went over to Small Heath, there was an 'eid gathering going on, bouncy castles, ball pit, food, kids enjoyed themselves alhamdulillaah, but spent most of the time coming back and forth asking for money for sweets, that's kids for you ey! masha'Allaah. We stayed a couple of hours and then made our way back home. Today we just stayed home most of the day, masha'Allaah it was nice to stay in, getting bit cold outside, brrrr! the girls played with their new prams they had off my mum, it was quite funny, we all went out to the shop today, so there's three prams, my big one, and their mini ones, I told them this was the last time I let them take them to the shop, T just loves to run with hers, and the aisles in the shop are not the widest, so I think we were blocking up the place a bit.Well, I'm really happy with how 'eid turned out this year, I think it's important that kids can have fun and enjoy themselves, and look forward to the next one insha Allaah.

Tuesday, 9 December 2008

1 - Abu Musa al-Ash'ari:Anas bin Malik said:"When Abu Musa would sleep, he would wear a small over garment, fearing that his 'awrah would be exposed."['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 2/399]

2 - Ibn 'Abbas:"He would not enter the bathroom except that he was alone, and would be wearing a thick outer garment, saying: "I am shy from Allah Seeing me in the bathroom without any clothing.""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 3/355]3 -

3 - 'A'ishah:"I used to enter the building in which the Messenger of Allah and my father were buried while I was dressed lightly, saying: 'These are just my husband and father.' However, when 'Umar was buried, by Allah, I never entered this building except that my clothing was wrapped tightly around my body, out of shyness from 'Umar."[al-Hakim's 'Mustadrak' (4/7), and he declared it authentic]4 -

4 - Hisham bin 'Ammar:Mu'awiyah bin Aws narrated:"I saw Hisham bin 'Ammar, and when he would walk in the street, he would look down to the ground, and he would never raise his head to the sky, out of shyness from Allah - the Mighty and Majestic."['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 11/430]

5 - al-Humaydi:"Abu Bakr bin Maymun came and knocked on the door of al-Humaydi, and assumed that he was given permission to enter. So, he entered, finding al-Humaydi with his thigh exposed. al-Humaydi began to cry, saying: "By Allah, you have just laid your eyes on something that nobody has seen since I have reached adulthood!""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 19/122]6 -

6 - Muhammad bin Yahya adh-Dhuhli:Abu al-'Abbas al-Azhari said:"I heard the servant of Muhammad bin Yahya adh-Dhuhli saying, while he was being washed: "I served him for thirty years, and I would give him his water, and I never even saw his leg, and I was his property.""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 12/279]7 -

7 - Al-Imam al-Bukhari:Muhammad bin Abi Hatim narrated:"Some of my companions said to me: "We were at the house of Muhammad bin Salam, and Muhammad bin Isma'il al-Bukhari entered upon his upon his return from Iraq. So, he began to inform us of the tribulation that the people were being put through, as well as what had happened to Ahmad bin Hambal, etc. When al-Imam al-Bukhari exited the house, Muhammad bin Salam said to those present: "Have you ever seen a virgin with as much shyness as this man?""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 12/418]8 -

8 - Ibn al-Qayyim narrated that some of the Salaf said:"If one does something in secret that he is shy from doing in public, this means that he means nothing to himself."['Madarij as-Salikin'; 2/353]9 -

Sunday, 7 December 2008

Alhamdulillaah 'eid is now upon us, and I'm feeling all excited. Insha Allaah will be going to a sister's house tomorrow for the day, the kids will do maybe a quiz, be a mini shaykh or shaykha for a few minutes while they read a little something they've put together (more so for the older ones) do some activities and will recieve a gift insha Allaah, so should be fun.

Managed to buy my outfit at last minute online, alhamdulillaah it came the next day. Bought a stunning dress for T off Ebay, white and princess like, she loves it of course! very girly masha'Allaah. Hoping K's will come tomorrow morning, but if not she has another dress she can wear. The baby's outfit I doubt will come on time, and not sure about my son's things, but alhamdulillaah they've got other things. That will teach me to order at last minute.

Insha Allaah Tuesday hope to go over to Small Heath, sister's are having an 'eid event with ball pit, bungee run, bouncy castle, food etc... sounds like alot of fun for the kids, so will try my best to get over there.

Hope everyone has a great 'eid insha Allaah, would love to know what your all up to.

Saturday, 6 December 2008

Today I took the kids to the local education centre which runs a karate class. They're quite eager to learn, and I personally feel it is important for them to be able to defend themselves if they were ever in an awkward situation, we seek refuge with Allaah from that happening. Also masha'Allaah it instills confidence in them, and self discipline insha Allaah. Even myself I would love to learn insha Allaah, as a self defense and a way to keep fit.

I was going there to speak with the instructor and ask about the issue of the bowing, as I know this is common tradition in martial arts, as a form of mutual respect. But as muslims we don't bow to anyone or anything other than Allaah. I managed to speak with the instructor and he basically told me, in a nice way, that bowing is something which they have to do, they use it as respect, and it's not up to them to change it, it is the ones in Japan who have the authority. I mentioned that there is a friend of mine in Cardiff who takes her boys to Karate classes, and the instructors there allow them to replace the bow with some kind of arm gesture, I think they kind of put it to their chest or something like that, and that's 2 places now that they've been allowed to leave out the bowing. So I was really dissapointed, and so were the kids, but Qadr Allaah.

I have emailed a few other places, and asked the same question, so will wait to hear back from them.

But as I was doing my search earlier, I came across this website , masha'Allaah I was so excited when I started reading about a kung fu class for women and girls not far from me, with a female black belt instructor. I'm not sure if it's still running, but will try and get more info tomorrow insha Allaah. The website is run by a sister and her husband, and they set it up with the aim of providing sports activities just for women, whilst maintaining our islamic values. So insha Allaah the issue of not bowing I would think would not be a problem. Will update when i have more info.

Thursday, 4 December 2008

There are many of us who may be reverts or those that were born to muslim parents but were not always practicing, that have had to give up certain things in life with the desire to obey Allaah and follow Islam completely. Changing our lifestyle and ways may have been hard on some, or thought that they would be hard, when in fact Allaah made it easy for us to give up these things for his sake.

I remember back to just before I embraced Islam, I had met two lovely sisters masha'Allaah, who helped me learn the prayer, how to make wudhu etc.. One day when one of the sisters was showing me how to make wudhu, she mentioned that in Islam the woman is not allowed to alter the shape of her eyebrows, alarm bells rung, I really couldn't believe what I was hearing, a multitude of thoughts run through my mind, 'what would I look like?' 'can I really do this?'..... this was a big thing for me, and I'm sure it was for others who were accustomed to regular plucking. I had plucked my eyebrows most of my teenage years, so was really worried I'd end up with big bushy eyebrows, anyway, the thought finally sunk in and I prepared myself, alhamdulillaah I didn't touch my eyebrows after what the sister had told me, and I just waited, and waited for these big things to grow, but subhanAllaah I was suprised that the regrowth wasn't as bad as I expected, and didn't make me look majorly different alhamdulillaah.

The same with music, even though I loved listening to it each day, it was not that big a problem to give it up for Allaah's sake, I sold my cd's (Allaahu a'lam if it was a good idea to sell/give them away, but I know I needed them gone) stopped watching mtv. My family were very surprised I had done this, but I think it showed them how serious I was.

So what things have been made easy for you to give up when you embraced/started to practice Islam? things which you may have first found hard, or perceived to be hard to give up?

Monday, 1 December 2008

I was recently tagged by two lovely sisters masha'Allaah, Umm Travis and hijabee, sorry for taking so long to respond, I haven't had much time to write on my blog in the last week. I feel very touched that I've been tagged, it's the first time! yey

The Rules:Link back to the person who tagged you.List 3 ahadith you’d like to pin up in your masjid and why.Tag some of your fellow bloggers by linking to them in your post and don’t forget to post a comment on their blog to let them know they’ve been tagged.

Narrated by Anas bin MalikAllah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said "Do not be angry with each other and do not envy each other and do not turn away from each other, and be slaves of Allah, brothers. It is not halal for a Muslim to shun his brother for more than three nights." [47.14]Transmitted by Muwatta)

Narrated by Jabir ibn AbdullahAllah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said, "Every act of kindness is "sadaqah" and kindness includes meeting your brother with a cheerful face and pouring water from bucket into your brother's vessel." [1910]

Narrated by AbuHurayrahAllah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honour".Transmitted by Muslim.

Narrated by AbuHurayrahAllah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said "Beware of suspicion. Suspicion is the most untrue speech. Do not spy and do not eavesdrop. Do not compete with each other and do not envy each other and do not hate each other and do not shun each other. Be slaves of Allah, brothers." [47.15]Transmitted by Muwatta

(The word "Brother" in Islam is not restricted to the relationship between real brothers only, it applies to all muslims regardless of age, men or women and location. )

I decided to choose these ahadith as I would hope they would be a reminder to those attending the masjid to have more love and tolerance for one another, and to highlight the seriousness of breaking the ties with our brothers and sisters in Islam who are clearly striving to be upon the straight path.